UK Print Lab

Frequently Asked Questions About DTF Printing

Answers to common questions about DTF transfers, gang sheets, artwork setup, fabrics, heat pressing, turnaround and bulk printing.

DTF stands for direct-to-film. Your design is printed onto a special release film using pigment inks, coated with a heat-activated adhesive powder, and then cured. The finished transfer is pressed onto the garment with a heat press. It produces vibrant, full-colour results on virtually any fabric type.
DTF transfers bond to most fabric types — cotton, polyester, poly-cotton blends, nylon, spandex, denim and performance fabrics. Unlike some other methods, DTF doesn't require a light or white fabric to show vibrant colours.
Yes — DTF transfers require a heat press to apply correctly. A household iron is not recommended as it cannot deliver consistent temperature and pressure across the full transfer, which can affect adhesion and durability.
Standard settings are typically around 160–165°C, medium-to-firm pressure, for 10–15 seconds — but always follow the specific instructions supplied with your order, as settings can vary depending on the film type and fabric. We include application instructions with every order.
A gang sheet is a single large DTF print sheet containing multiple designs arranged together. Rather than ordering each design individually, you combine them on one sheet — reducing the cost per design and making better use of the print area. It's ideal if you need several different prints in small quantities.
You can arrange your designs on a single file (typically A3, A2 or a custom width depending on the sheet size you select) leaving a small gap between each design for cutting. Send us the complete file as a high-resolution PNG or PDF. If you're not sure how to set one up, send us your individual design files and we can advise.
PNG with a transparent background is preferred, at 300 dpi or above at the intended print size. Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG) are also accepted. JPEG files are accepted but will require a white background — they cannot have a transparent edge.
We print in RGB. If you submit a CMYK file, colours may shift slightly when converted. For best results, design in RGB from the start, or provide Pantone references so we can match as closely as possible.
Yes — white is printed as part of the DTF process and is included automatically where required. This means your design will show correctly on dark garments without any extra setup or cost.
Contact us with your requirements and we'll confirm what's available and provide a quote based on your quantities.
Yes — we cater for small and large orders alike. If you need a single transfer for a sample or a one-off project, contact us to discuss your requirements.
Bulk DTF printing is for higher-volume orders — clothing decorators, uniform suppliers, branded merchandise businesses and resellers who need a reliable supply of consistent-quality transfers. Pricing typically improves with volume; contact us with your quantity and requirements for a trade quote.
Yes — we supply trade customers on an unbranded basis, meaning your clients never see our name on the product or packaging. Contact us to discuss trade pricing and how we can support your business.
Screen print transfers use plastisol ink that is screen-printed onto a release paper and cured. They produce a thicker, slightly more textured feel than DTF and give a traditional 'printed' look. They're well suited to simple, bold designs with a limited number of spot colours. DTF is generally better for full-colour, gradient-heavy or photographic artwork.
Yes — we offer a free artwork check and will flag any issues (resolution, colour profile, bleed, transparency) before going to print. Just send your file via the contact form and we'll come back with our assessment.
DTF handles fine detail well, but very thin lines (below 0.5mm) or very small text (below approximately 6pt) can be challenging. Send us your design and we'll assess it and advise before printing.
Store unused transfers flat, in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid folding or rolling them. Proper storage will maintain adhesion quality until you're ready to press.
Turn the garment inside out before washing. Use a gentle cycle at a cool or warm temperature (not hot). Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach. Do not tumble dry on high heat and do not iron directly on the transfer. These precautions will significantly extend the life of the print.
Contact us with your required dimensions and we'll confirm what widths are available for your order.
Use the contact or quote form on our website. Tell us what you need — design file, quantity, any size requirements — and we'll come back with a quote and confirmation of availability and turnaround.

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